The number of companies choosing Australia to establish an Asia-Pacific headquarters is on the rise.

Between January 2009 and December 2014, Australia ranked third for headquarters facilities in the region (after Singapore and China). However, data from 2014 onwards, recorded by fDi Markets, shows that Australia has overtaken China and is now the second most popular choice for investors.

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of headquarter projects going into Australia increased by 46.66%, equating to a market share of 18.18%. The number of jobs created also increased from 1370 to 1600 and capital expenditure increased from $391m to $336.5m.

On top of this, date for 2017 (to September) indicates further growth. Headquarter investment into Australia in the first quarter of 2017 experienced a 75% increase compared with the first quarter of 2016, with an increase in capital expenditure and job creation of 104.02% and 96.3%, respectively.

Australia boosting cybersecurity cooperation within Asian countries

2017 saw Australia sign an agreement with Thailand in a bid to boost regional community security and they are now working in tandem with other Asian countries such as Singapore and China in a bid to tackle cybercrime within the Asia Pacific region. (more…)

Asia Update: Top Five Stories for the Week

Asia update. In Thailand, the connection between the film and revolution is much more overt—several student protesters have been detained for using a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance in the movie.

The Hunger Games proves too threatening in China and Thailand. The release of the third installment of the franchise, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” in China was postponed until January, reportedly to balance the 2014 foreign and domestic box office receipt totals. Some commentators have suggested that the move is more political, as the film depicts a dystopian world in which a revolutionary movement attempts to overthrow an authoritarian government.